Everyone has extra stuff lying around, but how do you even begin deciding what you need (the only pink nail polish you own) from what you don’t (the book your friend gave you years ago that you’re never going to read). If you’re tossing and turning at night over the clutter in your home, it’s time to toss some things out!

Sometimes You Have to Say, “It’s Not You, It’s Me”

Time to sort and decide what can stay and what needs to find a new home. We’re here to give you a hand. These are some things too many of us have too many of.

Closet Catastrophe

That trendy top may be cute but when was the last time you wore it? It might be time for you to go your separate ways.

Here’s a great hack if you’re not sure which clothes to keep and which to donate. The next time you do laundry, place each garment on a hanger. When you hang the hanger in your closet, face the hanger backwards. Check back in a few weeks. Any hangers left facing the correct way are probably holding clothes you never wear.

Make Up Your Mind About Makeup

Remember when you bought that black lipstick for a Halloween costume 2 years ago? The one you’ve been saving in case you need it again? We have some bad news. Most makeup expires and if you’ve had it for more than a year it’s time to toss it.

Don’t Pile Up the Dishes

What is the ratio of mugs to people in your house? If it’s more than one you probably have too many. Cups are great at multiplying behind our backs. Time to clear out those cabinets and let your dishes dance their way to the resale shop.

A few other clutter culprits: books, vases, bedding, towels, and craft supplies.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Your life is a combination of making school lunches, going to work, picking the kids up from practice, and more, so sorting through the jumble of things in your home might seem daunting. Take some time to strategize!

Do one thing at a time. Get rid of excess clothes before moving on to makeup, dishes, or anything else.

Take your time. Pick one thing per day if you have to. Tackling everything at once can get overwhelming. Try splitting up your work into manageable pieces.

Do you keep important documents in different places in your home? Do you have items shoved in the back of closets? Figure out smarter storage options that are more convenient for your everyday life.

Don’t listen to the voice in the back of your head that says, “But, what if I need it one day?”. If you haven’t used it yet, chances are you’re never going to.

And, when you’re done getting rid of all those extras, check out our blog, Get Organized!, for tips on sorting through whatever you have left.